Shanks brace sinks RCA as Bay go second

NORTHERN LEAGUE

DIVISION 1&2

WHITLEY Bay continued their impressive start to the season and moved into the top two of the Division One table with a 2-0 win at Sunderland RCA.

Nicky Gray’s men produced a dogged display on Wearside and a goal in each half from Adam Shanks was enough to make his six wins in seven games for his side.

Bishop Auckland lie in third place after two goals from Louis Johnson inspired them to a 3-1 home win against 10-man West Allotment Celtic.

The visitors found themselves a goal down and a man down at half-time.

Johnson fired the Two-blues in front on the quarter-hour mark and then West Allotment’s task to get back into the game was made harder when Liam Beeston was shown a red card just before the interval.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Allotment got back on level terms with an equaliser from recent signing Connor Campbell.

But they were left emptyhanded as Johnson notched his second goal of the day and a Craig Gott strike rounded off the scoring.

Thornaby moved into 10th place as second-half goals from Famara Jatta, Craig Hutchinson and Alex Hutchinson helped them to a 3-0 win at Heaton Stannington.

Billingham Synthonia took the honours in their Teesside derby clash at Division Two rivals Boro Rangers.

Jimmy Ward, Danny Earl and Ash Lavan all netted for Synners and left Charlie Brady’s late goal to be a mere consolation for their hosts.

Brandon United’s improved start to the season continued as Matty Moffat, Kai Hewitson and Liam Graham all found the target in their 3-0 home win against Sunderland West End.